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Ondo APC Unshaken, Aiyedatiwa Delivering On His Mandate – Comrade Olufemi Lawson

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Ondo APC Unshaken, Aiyedatiwa Delivering On His Mandate – Comrade Olufemi Lawson

Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Ondo State on Public Enlightenment, Comrade Olufemi Lawson, has fired back at critics peddling tales of division in the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State, and those deliberately trying to undermine the achievements of the Aiyedatiwa Administration in Ondo State, declaring without mincing words that “there is no crack in Ondo APC, and that Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa remains the undisputed leader of the APC in Ondo State.”

Speaking to some journalists in Lagos at the weekend, Lawson dismissed what he described as “desperate attempts by mischief-makers, especially on few social media platform, to undermine the towering achievements of Governor Aiyedatiwa.” He said the governor’s leadership of the APC is “firm, clear, and beyond contestation.”

On the flurry of new political platforms springing up across Ondo State in support of President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 reelection, Lawson said Governor Aiyedatiwa welcomes them as “a sign of the APC’s unmatched strength and grassroots hold on the state.” But he added a caveat:

“Every group seeking to mobilize for President Tinubu must work within the framework of the APC. Let it be clear, our President will carry the flag of our great party in 2027, and Ondo State will be at the forefront of his victory.”

Turning to governance, Lawson rolled out an intimidating list of achievements of the Aiyedatiwa administration in just six months since assuming office in February 2025 under the OUR EASE development agenda.

Among them are: cutting the state’s domestic debt from ₦74bn to ₦12bn, recruiting over 2,000 teachers, completing the 7.8km ShopRite–Oda Road in Akure, near-completion of the Onyearugbulem–Irese Flyover, and massive school renovations across the state. He also cited ongoing dualization works on major highways including Ijoka Road, Akure, Akure–Idanre Road, and the 29km Igbokoda–Okitipupa Road, alongside regular pension payments and rehabilitation of 60km of roads statewide.

“These are not promises. They are projects you can see, roads you can drive on, schools your children can attend, salaries and pensions being paid. This is real governance, not politics,” Lawson declared.

He warned that attempts by “a tiny clique of politically rattled individuals” to downplay these strides would fail, insisting that Ondo people are firmly behind Governor Aiyedatiwa.

“The Governor has chosen governance above politics. Those who feel threatened by the overwhelming confidence reposed in him by APC stakeholders, both in the state and nationally, should prepare for more sleepless nights. The people of Ondo State know where they stand, and they stand with Governor Aiyedatiwa.”

With that, Lawson reaffirmed that Aiyedatiwa will continue to consolidate his role as both the leader of the APC in Ondo State and the driver of transformational governance.

Gov Diri Offers Job To Late PDP Women Leader’s Children

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Gov Diri Offers Job To Late PDP Women Leader’s Children

Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has approved automatic employment for the three children of late Mrs. Lucky-ere Etete following the death of their 56-year-old mother in July this year.

Mrs. Etete was the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) women leader in Sampou community, hometown of the governor, in Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area of the state.

According to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, Governor Diri gave the directive on Friday during her lying-in-state/funeral service at Sampou.

He said upon the death of her husband at an early age, she took up the responsibility of training her three daughters, who were now graduates.

Paying glowing tribute to the deceased, the Bayelsa helmsman said she contributed her quota to the development of her community through her role as leader of the women.

He described Mrs. Etete as a hardworking business woman and staunch supporter of the PDP with an unwavered loyalty to the party.

According to him, as a mark of respect and honour, he made it a point of duty to pay his last respect despite his busy schedule.

“What mattered most to me was the relationship we shared and not the support we were able to offer her. She was one of my fervent party supporters.

“We truly tried to save her life. Unfortunately, there were other complications and we lost her. But what we can ensure is to cater for the children that she left behind.

“Lucky-ere was a business woman and after the death of her husband, she took up the responsibility of supporting her three children and was able to sponsor their education. Today they are graduates.

“l therefore direct that the Deputy Chief of Staff, chairman of the Environmental Sanitation Authority and chairman of the Civil Service Commission ensure the immediate employment of Woyengidenyefa Akpeti, Woyengotonyo Akpeti and Mrs Woyengidipamo Doowari Anyama.”

Immediate past Kolokuma/Opokuma PDP caucus chairman, Chief Isaac Kumokou, in his tribute, described Etete as a lover of Sampou community, who participated actively in its activities.

Chief Kumokou said that though she was young, she demonstrated maturity and served as a role model to mothers.

In a brief exhortation titled, “Death, A Passage Unto Eternity,” Pastor Emmanuel Zitua of the Living Faith Bible Church encouraged people to strive to make positive impact on the lives of others.

Referencing the book of Joshua 24:15, Pastor Zitua enjoined Christians to serve the Lord in order to live a purposeful life.

IGP Egbetokun Orders Review Of Amnesty International Report On South-East

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IGP Egbetokun Orders Review Of Amnesty International Report On South-East

…..Reaffirms police commitment to Human Rights

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, has directed a comprehensive institutional review of Amnesty International’s latest report, “A Decade of Impunity: Attacks and Unlawful Killings in South-East Nigeria.”

The 128-page report, which accuses the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies of extrajudicial killings and human rights violations in the South-East, will undergo a detailed, line-by-line assessment.

According to a statement signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the review will be carried out by relevant departments and field formations, with allegations cross-checked against operational records, field intelligence, and situation reports from police commands and tactical units in the region.

The statement noted that while the Nigeria Police Force remains committed to safeguarding human rights, previous reports by Amnesty International have sometimes contained factual inaccuracies and sweeping generalisations.

It stressed that the ongoing review will be guided by facts, operational evidence, and a commitment to institutional integrity.

At the end of the process, the Force will issue a detailed response addressing the issues raised in the report. The IGP reiterated his commitment to transparency, accountability, and rights-based policing, highlighting ongoing reforms to strengthen internal accountability mechanisms and training in human rights standards.

The statement further affirmed the Police’s openness to engagement with civil society organisations, human rights bodies, international partners, and the National Human Rights Commission, urging stakeholders to adopt objectivity and balance in addressing security matters.

We Will Continue To Support Universities, NDDC Boss Assures

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We Will Continue To Support Universities, NDDC Boss Assures

The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, has reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to the advancement of education in the Niger Delta region.

He made this known while receiving the Vice Chancellor of Wigwe University, Professor Marwan Al-Akaidi, and his team during a courtesy visit to the NDDC headquarters in Port Harcourt.

Ogbuku, while welcoming the delegation, emphasised that NDDC has a long-standing tradition of supporting educational institutions across the region through infrastructure development and scholarship programmes.

“It is not new for NDDC to support universities; it is something we have been doing consistently. We have built hostels, classrooms, provided furniture, computers, and more. We believe in supporting the best within the region,” he stated.

He acknowledged the establishment of Wigwe University as a significant addition to the region’s educational landscape, describing it as a top-tier institution with world-class facilities. According to him, this aligns with NDDC’s mission to uplift the Niger Delta through strategic educational investments.

L-R: The NDDC Executive Director, Finance and Administration, Alabo Boma Iyaye; the Vice Chancellor of Wigwe University, Professor Marwan Al-Akaidi, the NDDC Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku and Ambassador Idaere Gogo Ogan.

Ogbuku stated: “For us in NDDC, partnering with Wigwe University is something we can do with joy because the people who will benefit from the university are largely from the region. We welcome you and thank you for trusting us.

He further announced that NDDC was set to launch a local postgraduate scholarship scheme and assured that Wigwe University will be considered as one of the beneficiary institutions.

“We believe that if our students cannot go abroad, at the very least, they should receive the best education within Nigeria, and Wigwe University stands out in that regard,” he added.

Earlier, the Vice Chancellor of Wigwe University, Professor Marwan Al-Akaidi, expressed appreciation to the Commission for its continuous support to education. He stated that the visit was aimed at initiating a long-term partnership with the NDDC built on mutual growth and regional development.

He remarked: “Our vision is to build an institution that is not only the best in Nigeria but also competitive across Africa and globally. To do this, we are seeking support in key infrastructure areas such as solar street lighting and water supply, and we hope Wigwe University can also be a destination for students under your scholarship scheme.”

Professor Al-Akaidi underscored the importance of the University’s location in the Niger Delta, and how NDDC’s intervention would not only enhance learning but also improve the quality of life in the host community.

“We are confident that the NDDC, as a champion of educational advancement, will support us not only in manpower development but in infrastructure that enables world-class learning,” he said.

From Speculation To Facts: Setting The Record Straight On IGP Egbetokun’s Tenure

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From Speculation To Facts: Setting The Record Straight On IGP Egbetokun’s Tenure

By Adewole Kehinde

In his recent article, “From Usman Baba To Egbetokun: How Nigeria Clandestinely Legalized IGPs’ Overstay Beyond Retirement Age”, Mr. Femi Olubori paints a picture of Nigeria’s policing leadership that is as misleading as it is alarmist.

While his prose may be persuasive to the casual reader, it collapses under the weight of verifiable facts and the clear provisions of the law.

First, let us dispense with the core insinuation; that Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun is somehow overstaying his time in office. This claim willfully ignores the unambiguous provisions of the Nigeria Police Act, 2020, particularly Section 7(6) and Section 18(8a).

These sections stipulate the tenure and service limitations of the IGP’s office, ensuring there is a clear expiry date for every occupant. The law does not permit indefinite occupation of that office, and there is no evidence, legal or otherwise, that Egbetokun’s tenure is being manipulated to breach this provision.

For the avoidance of doubt, Section 7(6) provides that the IGP shall hold office for a four-year term subject to the President’s discretion within the law, while Section 18(8a) makes it clear that the retirement age and service years are not a backdoor to prematurely terminate a lawful tenure.

These safeguards are deliberate, designed to strengthen stability and continuity in the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), not to create an “entrenched political fiefdom” as Mr. Olubori wrongly fears.

The IGP’s office is not a monarch’s throne. It is bound by statute, policy, and public accountability. The mere fact that an IGP serves beyond the traditional retirement age is not a legal aberration when the tenure provision is still in force, it is a feature of the reformed policing framework, not a bug.

Secondly, Mr. Olubori’s accusation that Egbetokun employs “high-handedness” in policing dissent is an overreach unsupported by credible data. Yes, protests have occurred during his tenure, as they do in any functioning democracy, but the Nigeria Police Force under his leadership has maintained a consistent policy of facilitating lawful assemblies while intervening where protests devolve into threats to public safety or breach of peace.

The isolated instances where security personnel have had to disperse gatherings with force are the exception, not the rule, and they are always subject to internal review. To conflate these operational realities with systemic repression is to ignore the constitutional responsibility of the police to protect both the protesters and the broader public.

It is intellectually lazy to characterise lawful security operations as “clamping down on dissent” without considering context, intelligence reports, or the need to prevent violence. A nuanced assessment reveals that Egbetokun has not militarised public order policing; rather, he has balanced law enforcement with civil rights, a task far more complex than Mr. Olubori’s framing admits.

Finally, the suggestion that the IGP’s office could “become another entrenched political fiefdom” is not only speculative but also ahistorical. Nigeria’s modern policing reforms have deliberately erected legal guardrails to prevent such entrenchment.

The four-year fixed term, the oversight role of the Police Council, and the constitutional powers of the President all combine to ensure that no IGP can unilaterally perpetuate himself in office.

If anything, Egbetokun’s tenure has demonstrated a professional commitment to service, operational reforms, and community engagement, not the political self-preservation Mr. Olubori insinuates.

Public debate is healthy for democracy, but it must be anchored on truth, not conjecture. On this matter, the truth is straightforward:

  • The IGP’s tenure is clearly defined by law, with an explicit expiry date.
  • Egbetokun is not overstaying his term.
  • Allegations of high-handedness in policing protests are exaggerated and lack a fair reading of facts.

Nigeria’s policing leadership is not perfect — no public institution is, but undermining it with unfounded narratives serves neither the public nor the principles of justice.

 

Adewole Kehinde is the Publisher of Swift Reporters and Public Affairs Analyst. 08166240846. kennyadewole@gmail.com @kennyadewole

Gufwan Commends NCC For Sensitisation Workshop On Digital Citizenship For Persons With Disabilities

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Gufwan Commends NCC For Sensitisation Workshop On Digital Citizenship For Persons With Disabilities

The Executive Secretary, National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NDPWD), Ayuba Gufwan, has commended the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) for organising a sensitisation workshop on digital citizenship for persons with disabilities.

The Executive Secretary, represented by the Director, Social Integration of the NDPWD, Mr. Lawrence Idemudia, expressed his delight towards the NCC for its forward-thinking initiative aimed at bridging the digital divide and enhancing the active participation of persons with disabilities in the digital ecosystem.

He said that their effort was not only timely but also aligned with national and international commitments to inclusion, accessibility, and sustainable development.

“As we gather here today, we are reminded of the transformative potential of information and communication technologies in advancing equality, inclusion, and independent living for persons with disabilities. The digital space when made accessible can eliminate barriers to education, employment, health, and civic participation,” he added. 

The event, which took place on Thursday, July 17, 2025, in Abuja, with the theme: ‘Empowering All – Advancing Digital Citizenship and Inclusion for Persons with Disabilities’, offered a strategic platform for stakeholders to engage, exchange knowledge, and build collective capacity in advancing digital inclusion.

The NCPWD Executive Secretary encouraged all participants – policy makers, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) professionals, civil society actors, and persons with disabilities – to seize the opportunity to foster innovative and inclusive digital solutions that leave no one behind.

He further reiterated that the NCPWD remains committed to working collaboratively with the NCC and other relevant stakeholders to ensure that Nigeria’s digital transformation is inclusive, participatory, and empowering for all, especially persons with disabilities.

The key takeaway of the workshop was that digital citizenship is an indispensable tool as inclusion in it is beneficial in the areas of access to information, improved communication, life transformation and empowerment, enhanced digital education, inclusive remote employment, tech savvy and enhanced education, amongst others.

Some of the outcome of the workshop includes discussions on the importance of online safety, privacy and ethical behaviours, among others. Others include the presentation by Barr. Ikem Onuegbunam on bridging the digital divide gap and removing the stigma on Persons with Disabilities.
The highlight of the workshop was the presentation of braille books by the NCC to the

NCPWD, presented by the NCC’s Director of Digital Economy, Mrs Olatokunboh Oleyele and received by Mr. Lawrence Idemudia, on behalf of the Commission. Certificates of participation were also distributed to everyone in attendance.

NCC Boss Urges Collective Action To Protect Nigeria’s Digital Infrastructure

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NCC Boss Urges Collective Action To Protect Nigeria’s Digital Infrastructure

The Executive Vice-Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida, has called for united efforts to safeguard Nigeria’s telecommunications assets, describing them as critical to national security, economic growth, and digital transformation.

Speaking at the 2nd Strategic Stakeholders Meeting of the Association of Telecommunication Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) in Abuja, Dr. Maida, represented by the Assistant Director, Compliance Monitoring and Enforcement Department of the NCC, highlighted the theme, “Building Resilience in Nigeria’s Digital Infrastructure: The Executive Order and Beyond”, stressing that the Presidential Order of June 2024—which designates telecommunications facilities as Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII)—was a “landmark recognition” of the sector’s role in the country’s stability and digital sovereignty.

He noted that Nigeria’s 171 million mobile subscribers and 79.22% teledensity make telecoms the backbone of digital inclusion, contributing over 14.4% to GDP as of Q4 2024. However, he warned of mounting threats, including cyberattacks, vandalism, and an average of 30–43 fibre cuts daily, which undermine service reliability and public trust.

The NCC, he said, has begun nationwide infrastructure mapping, developed a CNII Protection Plan in partnership with the Office of the National Security Adviser, launched public awareness campaigns, and established mechanisms to protect fibre cables during road works. The Commission is also engaging state governments to harmonise policies, mediate disputes, and reduce right-of-way bottlenecks.

Dr. Maida stressed that CNII protection demands collaboration between regulators, operators, security agencies, the judiciary, and communities. He urged telecom operators to invest in resilient infrastructure, policymakers to streamline regulations, and the public to treat telecom assets as shared national property.

“Our goal is not just compliance but building a secure, inclusive, and globally competitive digital ecosystem,” he said, outlining five strategic priorities: public awareness, enhanced stakeholder collaboration, improved information sharing, streamlined infrastructure permitting, and stronger enforcement against vandals.

The NCC chief concluded with a call to action, urging all stakeholders to “invest, collaborate, and protect” Nigeria’s digital infrastructure, warning that without resilience, the nation’s aspirations for a connected and prosperous future are at risk.

Federal High Court Affirms Expiration Of Abure’s Tenure As Labour Party Chairman

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Federal High Court Affirms Expiration Of Abure’s Tenure As Labour Party Chairman

The Interim National Chairman of the Labour Party, Senator Nenadi Usman, has welcomed the judgment of the Federal High Court, Abuja, in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1523/2025, which dismissed a case filed by Mr. Julius Abure against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

In a statement issued on Friday, Senator Usman described the decision as “another unambiguous affirmation of the rule of law” and a consistent reinforcement of the Supreme Court’s April 4, 2025, ruling in Appeal No. SC/CV/56/2025, which nullified all prior recognitions of Abure’s leadership.

The Federal High Court struck out Abure’s suit for lack of jurisdiction, citing the binding nature of the Supreme Court’s pronouncement pursuant to Section 287 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

Senator Usman also commended INEC for its “clarity, courage, and institutional integrity” in a sworn counter-affidavit, in which the Commission confirmed that Abure’s tenure, along with that of the National Executive Committee, expired in June 2024. INEC further stated it did not monitor or recognise the March 27, 2024, convention in Nnewi, describing it as a violation of the Constitution, the Electoral Act 2022, its own regulations, and the Labour Party constitution.

She urged party members to put the “needless distraction” behind them and focus on rebuilding the Labour Party into a “credible, disciplined, and people-centred political movement.”

Senator Usman reaffirmed her commitment to upholding the party’s constitution, ensuring transparent internal democracy, and fostering unity ahead of future political contests.

IGP Egbetokun Orders Massive Security Deployment For August 16 Bye-Elections In 13 States

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IGP Egbetokun Orders Massive Security Deployment For August 16 Bye-Elections In 13 States

Ahead of tomorrow’s bye-elections in 13 states across the federation, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has reaffirmed earlier directives for the deployment of operational logistics to ensure a secure environment for free and fair polls.

According to a press release on Friday, 15 August 2025 signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the elections, scheduled for Saturday, 16th August 2025, will be held in parts of Anambra, Kano, Oyo, Taraba, Enugu, Adamawa, Edo, Jigawa, Kogi, Ogun, Zamfara, and Niger States.

To guarantee smooth operations, the IGP has ordered the deployment of senior officers, ranging from Assistant Inspectors-General of Police to Commissioners of Police, to provide supervision alongside State Commissioners of Police. Personnel from the Police Mobile Force, Special Intervention Squad, Force Intelligence Department, and other tactical units will also be on the ground.

The police chief further announced a restriction on all forms of vehicular movement—including road, waterway, and other means of transport, between 12 a.m. and 6 p.m. on election day in the affected Local Government Areas. Exceptions apply to essential service providers such as INEC officials, accredited journalists, election observers, ambulances responding to emergencies, and firefighters.

In addition, security aides to VIPs and politicians are barred from accompanying their principals to polling units and collation centres. State-owned security outfits, quasi-security agencies, and private guards are also prohibited from participating in election security duties.

Egbetokun urged deployed officers to adhere strictly to the Nigeria Police Force’s standard operational protocols for elections. He called on citizens to remain law-abiding during and after the polls, assuring that adequate measures are in place to safeguard their right to vote.

Nigeria Police Record Major Breakthroughs In Human Trafficking, Kidnapping Cases

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Nigeria Police Record Major Breakthroughs In Human Trafficking, Kidnapping Cases

The Nigeria Police Force  has achieved significant successes in separate high-profile cases of human trafficking and kidnapping, underscoring its determination to dismantle criminal networks nationwide.

According to a press release on Friday 15th August 2026 signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, on 30th July 2025, operatives of the Enugu State Police Command, while on routine patrol along the Enugu–Onitsha Expressway, intercepted a suspected human trafficker, 30-year-old Raymond Sunday Wonna, and rescued two young female victims, 18-year-old Miracle Ogar and 16-year-old Angela Kingsley.

Investigations revealed the victims were lured from Ogoja, Cross River State, under the guise of securing jobs in Ghana. The suspect allegedly planned to take them to work in a restaurant owned by his “baby mama” and had attempted to sexually assault them while they were lodged in a hotel pending travel. The victims have since been reunited with their families, while efforts continue to apprehend other members of the trafficking ring.

In a separate operation, on 13th August 2025, the Taraba State Police Command, in collaboration with local security outfits, raided Mahadi Forest in Gassol LGA and arrested two suspected kidnappers, 20-year-old Yahaya Umar and 47-year-old Mohammed Umar, in possession of an AK-47 rifle. The suspects confessed to belonging to a syndicate linked to several attacks in Plateau and Taraba States. Investigations are ongoing to track down other members of the gang.

Commending the operatives for their swift actions, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, assured Nigerians of the Force’s unwavering commitment to public safety and ordered thorough investigations leading to the prosecution of all culprits.

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